Bachelor of Science in Applied Aquatic Science

RationaleFreshwater and marine sciences have acquired a prominent dimension world-wide over the past decade. This has been necessitated by the tremendous perturbation of freshwater and marine ecosystems by man. Further, the high demand for food by the ever increasing population requires to be supplemented through harvesting of aquatic resources. Aquatic resources have not been fully utilised due to lack of well-trained personnel in water and fisheries science. There is an urgent need for scientific and educational institutions to increase the number of trained aquatic scientists. This is particularly urgent in view of water becoming a limiting resource in most regions of the African continent. The proposed programme is designed to produce aquatic scientists able to teach, research, advice and formulate policies for better management of aquatic ecosystems. The courses to be taught in this programme will address the interrelationships between the physical, chemical and biological aspects of aquatic systems, including land-water interactions as well as addressing human diseases related to water.Programme ObjectivesThe programme will endeavour to promote interaction between students and laymen, researchers, consultants and policy makers through short-term courses, workshops and symposia in aquatic sciences. The graduates of this programme will be able to engage in self-employment as fishermen, fish farmers, aquaculturists, water quality consultants, and can also be employed as fisheries officers/managers, policy makers and environmental health officers. In addition, the graduates can be employed as researchers or lecturers in freshwater/marine institutes and universities, government ministries and in other private and non-governmental organizations. The main objectives of the programme are to:i) equip the graduates with adequate practical and theoretical knowledge which they can use to create awareness in sustainable use of aquatic resources and provide practical solutions to aquatic resources problems.ii) train graduates who are able to interpret and implement policies related to aquatic resources conservation, utilization and management.iii) prepare graduates for the societal and scientific challenges in aquatic sciences and for self-employment in aquaculture, consultancy, inter alia. Admission RequirementsAll candidates admitted to the degree programme of Bachelor of Science in Water Science and Fisheries must satisfy the minimum entrance requirements stipulated in the common university entrance regulations;In addition, candidates MUST have passed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade indicated in each of the following subjects;Biology B- or Biological Science BChemistry B- or Physical Science BMathematics C+Geography B-Those holding qualifications equivalent to the above from institutions recognized by Egerton University Senate may also be admitted;Admission may be offered to outstanding diploma holders in Biological Sciences passed with a credit or above or their equivalent. Such cases will be treated on individual merit;Transfer of credit factors from the diploma programme or their equivalent may be considered and in such a case a credit transfer a maximum of 30% of the curricular would be allowed for those who qualify based on the guidelines stipulated by the Senate. Course Structure and DurationThe Bachelor of Science in Water and Fisheries Science degree shall normally take a full time student four academic years each with two 17-week semesters comprising of fifteen (15) and two (2) weeks of Teaching and Examination, respectively, during which students will register for minimum of 18 CFs per Semester.Part time students will, however, be allowed to cover the programme within eight academic years.To graduate with the Bachelor of Science in Water and Fisheries degree, a student will be required to take and pass a minimum of 144 Credit Factors which includes the University common core courses approved by the Senate.The course codes used are;AQUA stands for ―Applied Aquatic Science‖ followed by 3 digits.First digit indicates the year the course is offered or level of the course.Second digit indicates the nature or sub-discipline of the course within the discipline.The second digit shall be interpreted according to the following levels:Level 0 Introductory coursesLevel 1 Basic aquatic sciences coursesLevel 2 Physical and chemical coursesLevel 3 Instrumentation and technology coursesLevel 4 Ecological coursesLevel 5 Resources management and applied coursesLevel 6 Environmental pollution and toxicological coursesLevel 7 Seminars, Research, Field Attachment and VisitsThird digit indicates the serial number of individual courses within a particular Sub-discipline within the discipline. Examination RegulationsAll examinations for this programme shall be conducted in accordance with examination regulations as stipulated in the Egerton University Statute XXVIII.Grading SystemThe grading of examinations for this programme shall be conducted in accordance with in Egerton University Statute XXVIII.Graduation RequirementsTo graduate a student shall be required to take and pass ALL scheduled courses within the stipulated period. Degree ClassificationDegree classification shall be in accordance with Egerton University Statute XXIX.